Trektoethiopia's Weblog

Another photo post!

trektoethiopia — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:33:18 +0000

Here’s some from our backyard adventures including eating and exploring….

First meal outside!

Kinda happy.....kinda sad....not sure?

How he spends much of his day....fighting off Gus-love

Happy man!

So sorry!

trektoethiopia — Tue, 12 May 2009 02:51:39 +0000

I’m officially a bad blogger! I just can’t seem to keep up. For those of you still checking in, I’ll post some more pics…..

Things are good. He’s sleeping pretty well and starting to get more attached as he’s learning to cry when he’s put down sometimes!

In his new Jeep

Crawling on Reece

Crawling for the Bosox!

Jude and mom

We’re back!!

trektoethiopia — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:22:08 +0000

So sorry this is late, but we’re finally starting to feel like ourselves again after our 24 hour traveling extravaganza! I did try to post again in Ethiopia, but the internet was so spotty it just wouldn’t connect.

It’s so good to be home and be getting settled. I think most of you know that his official name is Jude Ashenafi Stringer. It’s a 50/50 chance of answering to anything at this point, but we’re calling him Jude, Ashu, Judeashu…..pretty much any combo you can think of. He’s been great and overall a very happy baby. His clock is still off as we had a little party for 2 between 3 AM and 6 AM this morning. Addis Ababa is 9 hours ahead so we’re having to readjust just a little.

Right now he’s in his jumparoo in front of the paparazzi (a.k.a. grandparents). Oh yes, we’ve been capturing EVERY first moment. First car ride, first spoon feeding, first bath, first snowfall…..I guess that’s the way it goes though with the first grandchild at home.

Unfortunately he’s been pretty sleepy when company has visited, but he really is quite the happy little boy. We can’t wait for him to meet everyone. Next week will probably work best after all the company heads out, and we’ve been home at least a week. He’s not really on a schedule so I never know when he’ll be up or down so just give me a call and we’ll see…..

One last look at Addis Ababa

First hat shot!

Jude and Daddy at airport

First almost nude photo!

We made it!

trektoethiopia — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 16:43:34 +0000

We got here safe and sound at about 9 AM on Saturday. We’ve had a great time so far (right now it’s Sunday night at about 7). We had an Easter lunch at Alemu’s house today. He is our agency’s representative here in Addis Ababa, and he’s been wonderful. We’ve experienced multiple coffee ceremonies already which have been very tasty! Think thicker, stronger, better coffee! Already shopped a little but haven’t bought much. Tomorrow we head off to northern Ethiopia so we’ll be out of touch until Tuesday or Wednesday. We found out we’ll be picking up Ashenafi Wednesday afternoon so we’re ecstatic and can’t wait for that moment. So long for now. I just tried to add a pic but it wouldn’t work so we’ll post as soon as we can! Love, us

Tickets!!

trektoethiopia — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:44:13 +0000

We got our tickets in the mail today! This is actually happening!
We also found out from our agency that we’ll be taking a side trip to northern Ethiopia for a night, and we’re so excited to be able to get out of the city and actually see some of the country. In exactly 3 weeks we will be with our son! It still seems too far away for me, but at least we’re counting days and not months anymore.

Vaccination Day

trektoethiopia — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:52:52 +0000

Well we got vaccinated today! Or should I say I got vaccinated. We went to the nurse and Will forgot his vaccination card but we’re pretty sure he’s already had the yellow fever vaccine from his air force time. So I was the only one that got shot today….
Oh well, it feels good to have that piece done. We also got warned about all the wonderful things that we could catch in Ethiopia! It was great! Looks like we can look forward to the possibility of diarrhea, malaria, typhoid, meningitis, TB, and many other fun diseases.
Ok, don’t freak out parents, we’ve got it under control!

My first video!

trektoethiopia — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:43:37 +0000

Big Day!

trektoethiopia — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 13:05:25 +0000

Well, most of you know we passed court, and I can’t quite figure out how to upload my video yet so I’m just going to post our first partial family photo we took last night. Can’t wait for the real thing!
We’re headed to Austin for some more good times so I don’t have much time. Right now, we’re waiting on our agency to let us know when we can travel. As soon as we know, I’ll pass it around. And if I can figure out the video thing, I’ll post it here also…..

MUST READ Post for family and friends (mostly for soon-to-be grandparents!)

trektoethiopia — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 03:34:55 +0000

Unfortunately, we just learned last week that we won’t be hearing about whether we passed court until late afternoon/early evening on Wednesday. I have no idea why, but that is what they said typically happens. We PROMISE to call you when we find out! Believe me, if it’s good news, I’ll be busting at the seams so you will learn right away. I’m just posting this preemptively so we each don’t receive a barrage of phone calls on Wednesday.

I hope you sense the humor in my post as I know alot of you are just excited for us to pass, but I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be calling in the AM as originally thought. Thanks for thinking of us and keep those fingers crossed!

The package

trektoethiopia — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 03:37:26 +0000

Since there’s nothing to post on lately, I thought I’d post pictures of the first gifts we got for Ashenafi. I sent them to Ethiopia on Saturday. Hopefully they’ll arrive by next week.

Outfit with Gus attached!

Amharic/English message to Ashe

One of the photos in the photo album we sent....an oldie but close up so he can see our faces.

And of course, a toy!